Why Make This Recipe
Panda Express Fried Noodles are a delicious and popular dish that brings the taste of Chinese cuisine right into your home. These noodles are quick to make and full of flavor, making them a perfect side or main dish. They’re also customizable, so you can add your favorite vegetables or proteins. Whether you’re craving something savory or looking for a simple meal option, this recipe is a great choice.
How to Make Panda Express Fried Noodles
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chow mein noodles (fresh)
- 2 cups cabbage (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup celery (sliced)
- 1 small onion (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or vegetarian stir-fry sauce)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup chicken stock (low-sodium or cold water)
- ½ tablespoon cornstarch (or potato starch)
Directions:
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, chicken stock, and cornstarch. Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved and the sauce is well mixed.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chow mein noodles and cook for 20-30 seconds until loosened. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions, cabbage, and celery. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until softened.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the remaining oil. Then, add the noodles and pour the prepared sauce over the noodles.
- Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
How to Serve Panda Express Fried Noodles
Serve the fried noodles hot. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with your favorite protein, like chicken, beef, or shrimp. Garnish with some green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and decoration.
How to Store Panda Express Fried Noodles
If you have leftovers, let the noodles cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a pan with a little oil or in the microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Panda Express Fried Noodles
- Ensure the chow mein noodles are fresh for the best texture. If you can’t find fresh noodles, dried noodles will work; just follow package instructions to cook them.
- Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added color and nutrition.
- Adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your taste. You can make it sweeter by adding a dash of sugar or make it spicier with some chili sauce.
Variation
You can easily turn this dish into a stir-fry by adding cooked meat or tofu. Adding a protein will make it more filling and create a complete meal in one dish.
FAQs
Can I use different types of noodles?
Yes, you can use other types of noodles like udon or rice noodles if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the noodles you choose.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
You can make this recipe vegetarian by using a plant-based oyster sauce or simply omitting it and using more soy sauce.
How spicy is this dish?
This dish is not spicy. However, if you want some heat, you can add chili sauce or flakes to the sauce mixture for some extra spice.
Panda Express Fried Noodles
Ingredients
Noodles and Sauce
- 1 lb chow mein noodles (fresh) Ensure they are fresh for the best texture.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce Adjust for taste.
- 0.5 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or vegetarian stir-fry sauce) Use plant-based options for vegetarian.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 0.25 cup chicken stock (low-sodium or cold water)
- 0.5 tablespoon cornstarch (or potato starch)
Vegetables
- 2 cups cabbage (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup celery (sliced)
- 1 small onion (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, chicken stock, and cornstarch. Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved and the sauce is well mixed.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chow mein noodles and cook for 20-30 seconds until loosened. Drain and set aside.
Cooking
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions, cabbage, and celery. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until softened.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the remaining oil. Then, add the noodles and pour the prepared sauce over the noodles.
- Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
